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  • Buying and inductor to make a varitone

    Hi everybody!!!

    Just a little question. Could anybody tell me where I can buy and inductor to build a varitone?

    Thanks a lot in advance.

    Iván

  • #2
    I don't know the value of the vari-tone inductor, but Torres Engineering offers a vari-tone kit for $15.95. If the inductor you need is a 1.5 henri, you can get it for $4.95 with the "Torres Famous Midrange Kit". If you find a better source for these, would you please post it?

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    • #3
      You can get inductors from any electronics part suppliers, like mouser, digikey, jameco, etc.

      You can also use audio transformers. The one from RadioShack works ok.
      It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. — Albert Einstein


      http://coneyislandguitars.com
      www.soundcloud.com/davidravenmoon

      Comment


      • #4
        Found one

        Hi,

        Thanks a lot for your help. I found this one in Mouser (I believe is the one Dan Torres uses to build his varitones):

        42TL021

        Will that be fine? The thing has six legs...to be honest I don´t know what to do with so many of them. Has any of you any idea of how to connect this?

        Thanks,

        Iván

        Comment


        • #5
          The data sheet is on the link you provided. There is a center tapped primary, and a center tapped secondary. Either use the entire primary, or the entire secondary, and never mind the center taps.
          Black sheep, black sheep, you got some wool?
          Ya, I do man. My back is full.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by ivanmax View Post
            Hi,

            Thanks a lot for your help. I found this one in Mouser (I believe is the one Dan Torres uses to build his varitones):

            42TL021

            Will that be fine? The thing has six legs...to be honest I don´t know what to do with so many of them. Has any of you any idea of how to connect this?

            Thanks,

            Iván
            That transformer has a 3:1 turns ratio; thus, the inductance of the secondary is 1/9 that of the primary. Using half the primary would give you 1/4 the inductance of the whole primary. The inductance of the whole primary is probably about 1 Henry. I am just guessing that based on the 300 Hz low frequency spec and the primary impedance (4K). Probably you want to use the whole primary.

            Comment


            • #7
              In the book Electronics Projects for Musicians, Craig Anderton uses Mouser part 42TM-019 for the inductor. He uses the whole primary, and also has a switch at the tap for half the primary.

              The inductor in the Gibson L6-S was a 1/4" steel bolt, with three washer and a nut! They wound two coils between the washers so it was humbucking.

              I have the specs around somewhere, but it isn't hard to make.
              It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. — Albert Einstein


              http://coneyislandguitars.com
              www.soundcloud.com/davidravenmoon

              Comment


              • #8
                Although I've used these things for years, my understanding of them is a little foggy. If I were using a 1.5h inductor, a .033uf capacitor, and a 250k pot, which component (or combination thereof) would determine the frequency of the cut? Which would determine the depth? I don't have a strong background in math. If someone could explain it in layman's terms it would be greatly appreciated.

                Comment


                • #9
                  I found this one on the 'net somewhere. This is for a standard Gibson 6-position Varitone:

                  Position 1--> off
                  Position 2--> -5db at 1950hz
                  Position 3--> -12db at 1100hz
                  Position 4--> -16db at 620hz
                  Position 5--> -18.5db at 360hz
                  Position 6--> -21db at 120hz

                  Position 5 used a .03 cap.

                  The L-6S guitar used a pot instead of a switch, and a .01 cap.
                  It would be possible to describe everything scientifically, but it would make no sense; it would be without meaning, as if you described a Beethoven symphony as a variation of wave pressure. — Albert Einstein


                  http://coneyislandguitars.com
                  www.soundcloud.com/davidravenmoon

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Just bought a Torres one

                    Hi,

                    Well, I have just bought a Torres kit to make a varitone. When I got it I will post the value of the inductor here. Actually I believe he uses a small transformer.

                    Regards and thanks,

                    Iván

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by ivanmax View Post
                      Hi,

                      Well, I have just bought a Torres kit to make a varitone. When I got it I will post the value of the inductor here. Actually I believe he uses a small transformer.

                      Regards and thanks,

                      Iván
                      So what did it turn out to be?
                      -Brad

                      ClassicAmplification.com

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Transformer

                        Hi,

                        It is a small transformer with the following writing on its body:

                        TL021-R

                        You can find these ones in Mouser.

                        Regards,

                        Iván

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          I measured a Radio Shack miniature output transformer (10K/8ohms) and the primary came out to .8H @ 1KHz. At 120Hz = 2.1H. Obviously, it will vary with frequency, but for anything in the right range, the cap used with the inductor is the part to experiment with. I'm using this set-up with a Telecaster in the neck position, approximating the Varitone 'Position 4'.
                          The middle position = neck only and the back = Broadcaster Blender (Lollar CC set). Cool, cool, cool.....
                          Black sheep, black sheep, you got some wool?
                          Ya, I do man. My back is full.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by thumbs View Post
                            Although I've used these things for years, my understanding of them is a little foggy. If I were using a 1.5h inductor, a .033uf capacitor, and a 250k pot, which component (or combination thereof) would determine the frequency of the cut? Which would determine the depth? I don't have a strong background in math. If someone could explain it in layman's terms it would be greatly appreciated.
                            Sorry to raise a dead thread, but I couldn't help myself because this question needed to be answered. The capacitor wired in series with the inductor creates a resonant frequency of a certain value. THe equation is

                            ƒ=1/ 2π(√CI)

                            where ƒ is the frequency, C is capacitance, and I is inductance. you can go to Wolfram|Alpha
                            and search "resonant frequency" for a calculator that will allow you to determine your various noth filters based on your inductor and whichever capacitors you choose. In order to vary the depth of the notch, wire the whole thing up to the tone control as if it was a single capacitor instead of a wad of components. Turning your tone control should vary the depth of the notch.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              dovedescending, thank you for your post and the link. I've built a number of these filters either "by ear" or by copying someone elses design. It will be fun to try again, going for a specific result.

                              thanks again'

                              thumbs

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